Washington State Senate Democrats: Phil Rockefeller

Rockefeller to retire from Senate, will join Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Senate Democrats — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:03:00 GMT

Gov. Chris Gregoire appointing Sen. Phil Rockefeller

Today Sen. Phil Rockefeller, 23^rd D–Kitsap County, announced he will retire from the Senate in June to accept an appointment from Gov. Chris Gregoire as a council member on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council effective July 1, 2011, through Jan. 15, 2014.

“I first want to thank the constituents of the 23^rd District for giving me the opportunity to serve them for 13 wonderful years,” said Rockefeller. “Their support and creative ideas motivated me to move forward with a number of initiatives to help our district and state. Serving in the Legislature has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I’ll always be grateful to the voters back home who made this possible.

“I also want to thank Gov. Gregoire for her offer, which I am pleased to accept, to be one of two Northwest Power and Conservation Council members for Washington.”

While Rockefeller is perhaps best known for his accomplishments in water, energy and climate change policy as chair of the Environment Water & Energy Committee, he also chaired the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee and served on the Ways & Means and Early Learning & K-12 Education committees. In addition, he is the majority assistant floor leader for the Senate Democrats.

Highlights from his career in the Legislature include:

· Leading the debate on review and repeal of tax preferences and exemptions

· Transitioning Washington away from coal energy production by 2025

· Creating the Puget Sound Partnership

· Dedicating federal stimulus funds to residential and commercial energy retrofits

· Enacting the College Bound Scholarship

· Funding a statewide Skills Centers system

· Adopting clean car emission standards for Washington

· Leading the Senate floor debate on banning toxic children’s products

· Securing funding for:

Peninsula Community Health Services

Kitsap Mental Health Services

Kitsap Community Resources

Olympic College

· Garnering approval for Olympic College four year nursing degree program

· Creating Derelict Vessel Removal Program

Rockefeller acknowledged there is still a lot of work to do and hopes his colleagues will move forward on the following issues:

· Reviewing and eliminating unjustified tax preferences

· Preparing for the disruptive impacts of climate change

· Promoting energy efficiency and a clean energy economy

· Reforming and updating Washington’s water laws

· Continuing the long-term recovery of Puget Sound

Among its duties, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council develops a regional power plan and a fish and wildlife program to balance the Northwest's energy needs and mitigate environmental impacts of power generation.

Council members from each of the four Northwest states including Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington serve by appointment from their governor.

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For more information: Alison Dempsey-Hall, 360.786.7887

For interviews: Sen. Phil Rockefeller, 360.786.7644

Hood Canal Bridge project could ease traffic congestion on SR 3 and SR 104

Senate Democrats — Tue, 10 May 2011 00:28:00 GMT

State Rep. Christine Rolfes, Sen. Phil Rockefeller say pilot should improve traffic predictability

OLYMPIA — Following nearly a year’s worth of discussions, the U.S. Coast Guard has announced a summer pilot project restricting the Hood Canal Bridge from opening from 3–6 p.m. every day. The measure is designed to improve road travel predictability in the region, as unannounced drawbridge openings have produced major delays and long vehicle queues that obstruct road access. U.S. Navy vessels are exempt.

Residents along SR 3 and SR 104 brought the issue to Rep. Christine Rolfes and Sen. Phil Rockefeller last spring, concerned that irregular bridge openings caused them to miss appointments and be late for work. When the bridge opens, some residents are trapped in their driveways as SR 3 and SR 104 are packed with waiting vehicles.

“This pilot is very welcome news,” said Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island. “The Coast Guard has listened closely to our concerns and is taking action. Having a three-hour window will help folks run errands, pick up their kids from school and drive home from work without such anxiety.”

“Approximately one half of all openings of the Hood Canal Bridge are for the passage of Navy vessels,” said Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island. ”This change will not affect their traffic through the bridge, but will drastically improve residents’ road travels.”

After meeting with local citizens and the Washington State Department of Transportation to generate ideas, Rolfes and Rockefeller sought help from the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell last summer. Cantwell worked with the legislators and the Coast Guard to move forward on implementing the pilot project.

“I applaud the Coast Guard for taking this step towards a long-term solution that will improve access to Hood Canal Bridge,” said Cantwell, D-WA. “This pilot project should reduce traffic delays and improve travel predictability for Washingtonians.”

Under current operating procedures, the bridge must open for any vessel that provides at least one hour of notice. Last summer, the bridge opened 29 times in June and 43 times in July. Some openings last for more than 30 minutes.

The restricted period runs from 3 p.m. on May 21, 2011, to 6 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2011.

The Coast Guard is accepting public comment through Nov. 30, 2011. Per instructions printed in the Federal Register, to submit a comment online, go to www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box, insert ‘‘USCG–2011–0314’’, click ‘‘Search’’, and then click on the balloon shape in the ‘‘Actions’’ column.

Once the public comment period ends, the Coast Guard will evaluate the comments along with traffic data and drawbridge records to determine the next steps.

The notice published in the Federal Register is available here: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-05-06/pdf/2011-11059.pdf

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Rockefeller week 16 e-newsletter update

Senate Democrats — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:46:00 GMT

Dear Neighbors,

Some good news from Olympia such as unexpected received revenues.

I invite you to read about this and more:

Tax exempt asked to share in budget sacrifice
Tax amnesty windfall will save some services
Cottage goods can now be sold to public

Sincerely,

Sen. Phil Rockefeller

Tax exempt asked to share in budget sacrifice

On May 4th the Senate Ways & Means Committee held a hearing on three bills which propose that those selected few industries who receive special tax exemptions or preferential rates, should also share in the sacrifice of our budget solution.

While the state is being forced to make devastating cuts to education, healthcare and senior services, thousands of recipients of tax breaks have managed to stay shielded from any kind of review or justification for special treatment. Their tax breaks cost hundreds of millions in lost state revenue every year.

The proposals discussed look to address this imbalance.

The first bill heard, Senate Bill 5944, offers a referendum to the voters to give Washington residents the opportunity to decide whether the closure of tax loopholes should count as “raising taxes” under Initiative 1053 and therefore be subject to the two-thirds vote requirement for passage in the Legislature. This would give voters a chance to create a more balanced and rational budgeting process.

The bill I proposed, SB 5945 gives all preferential Business & Occupation (B&O) tax rates currently on the books a trim of 25 percent of the current subsidy. The bill also repeals tax breaks for investment income of non-financial firms and for first mortgage interest earned by banks, and would generate $338 million in the next biennium.

SB 5947 ends certain livestock tax exemptions, including two loopholes providing heating and outfitting of chicken coups and one provision subsidizing artificial insemination of livestock. Closing the exemptions would save the state $2.5 million in the coming biennium.

I have led my fellow Senate Democratic colleagues in this effort to end or modify preferential tax treatment enjoyed by various businesses and industries, and hope that it will draw attention to the inequities of our current budget process. We ask all state funded programs to validate their funding each biennium during the budget process, we should be asking this of all sections of state funding, including state subsidized exemptions and preferential tax treatment.

It is important to note that these proposals won't change our current all-cuts budget, but they are a starting point for future tax exemption reform.

None of the proposed changes could occur unless voters approve the referendum proposed in SB 5944.

Tax amnesty windfall will save some services

The Legislature received good news this week- a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape. The state Department of Revenue disclosed that a tax amnesty program expected to generate $61 million in fact generated $321 million, or $182 million more than anticipated.

A temporary tax amnesty period from Feb. 1 through April 30 was approved in the early days of the legislative session to allow more than 10,000 delinquent businesses to work with the Dept. of Revenue to pay back taxes without having to pay penalties or interest. Businesses that are criminal defendants, face tax fraud charges or are in bankruptcy were not eligible for the amnesty opportunity.

The idea behind the amnesty was to help businesses that are struggling due to circumstances beyond their control, particularly during these difficult economic times, so that they can remain taxpayers and employers today and in the future—and it appears to have worked far better than anyone expected.

That’s good news for our budget, good news for our businesses, and good news for many Washingtonians who would be adversely affected by reductions in public services to balance the budget. This money will at least partly limit the extent to which we need to reduce services to balance the budget.

Cottage goods can now be sold to public

Have you ever enjoyed a home baked cookie from a PTA fundraiser? Or bought jams, jellies, granola, vinegar, or baked goods at farmers markets and wished you could sell your home baked goods too?

My bill, SB 5748, has now been signed into law and will allow home made goods to be sold to the public. This will permit home-based cooks to use their culinary skills and earn some additional household income.

Cottage food products are produced in home kitchens for sale directly to the consumer. These products, as defined in this legislation, include baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters and other foods which may defined by the Director of Agriculture. The amount for gross sales established in the law is set at $15,000 a year.

The law sets a registration fee of $30 and a $75 public health review fee.

Cottage goods can now be sold to public

Senate Democrats — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:51:00 GMT

Sen. Phil Rockefeller’s Senate Bill 5748 has been signed into law, allowing home made goods to be sold to the public. This will permit home-based cooks to use their culinary skills to earn some additional household income.

The cost for the cottage food permit includes $125 for the inspection, $30 for a processing fee and $75 for a public health review.

Intentionally sinking or abandoning a vessel now a misdemeanor

Senate Democrats — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:49:00 GMT

Sen. Rockefeller’s Senate Bill 5271 has been signed into law, improving the existing Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP).

The law:

Makes it a misdemeanor for a person to intentionally cause a vessel to sink, break up, or block navigational channels.
Extends current law, allowing marinas to contract with local government for removal of abandoned vessels.
Allows ports to receive up to 90 percent reimbursement for vessel removal like other local public entities.
Limits civil liability for local governments and ports exercising their authority under DVRP.

DVRP has worked well over its 10 year history, but needed a tune up. This update in law will improve the overall efficiency of the existing program.

Governor signs Rockefeller’s landmark legislation transitioning the state off coal power

Senate Democrats — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:12:00 GMT

OLYMPIA— Gov. Chris Gregoire today, joined by TransAlta executives, legislators, and members of the environmental and labor communities, signed legislation to phase out coal-fired energy production at the TransAlta power plant in Centralia. Senate Bill 5769 solidifies into law a collaborative agreement to close the state’s two coal boilers – the first in 2020 and the second in 2025. The agreement provides a path to cleaner power while allowing the necessary time to provide stability to the electrical grid and to the community in Lewis County.

“The Centralia power plant has long been a critical part of the regional economy,” Gregoire said at the bill signing ceremony at the Centralia plant, attended by TransAlta employees. “The men and women here who keep it running not only power homes and businesses, you serve as the backbone of your communities. We will build on your skills and your know-how to power our grid and our future. I want to thank our partners at TransAlta, our environmental community, and labor for coming together to be part of Washington’s clean energy future. I’d also like to thank our legislators, who gave this bill bipartisan support.”

In 2009, Gregoire signed an executive order directing the Department of Ecology to work with TransAlta on an agreement that would apply the greenhouse gas emissions performance standards by no later than December 31, 2025. The law established today culminates two years of negotiations that produced an agreement between the company, the environmental community and the state.

“TransAlta is a progressive power company that strives to produce more electricity with less environmental impact, every day,” said TransAlta President and CEO Steve Snyder. “We are proud to play a leading role in this unique collaboration of industry, government, community and environmentalists to chart a new energy future for Washington State. With this bill, TransAlta will be able to continue powering this community with new investments in power production and new jobs.”

Under the legislation:

The plant’s two coal boilers will meet the state’s emissions performance standard for new and modified power plants, which will require the boilers to shut down. The standard will apply to one boiler on Dec. 31, 2020, and to the other boiler on Dec. 31, 2025 – essentially ending coal-fired power in Washington state in the next 14 years;
In 2013, TransAlta will install additional air pollution control technology to further reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides at the plant. The TransAlta plant is the state’s largest single industrial source of nitrogen oxide emissions. Nitrogen oxides are one of the causes of visibility-limiting regional haze in national parks and on federal lands;
TransAlta agrees to contribute $30 million in a community investment fund to help with economic development and energy efficiency projects, as well as $25 million in an energy technology transition fund, to be spent on supporting innovative energy technologies and companies in Washington state; and
TransAlta will be allowed in the interim to sell coal power under long-term contracts within Washington – which will give the company the financial stability needed to transition to a cleaner source of energy.

“I am proud for many reasons, but mainly because I have never seen such collaborative work evolve in this fashion during my 13 years of work at the Legislature,” said Sen. Phil Rockefeller. “I believe what made this agreement possible was the respect and dedication each party brought to the table. The result is a cleaner energy future, with power, jobs, health and environmental benefits that all can share.”

“When this bill had its final hearing, business, labor, environmental and health advocates were all sitting side by side at the testimony table,” said Rep. Dave Upthegrove. “They were asking us to move forward with this, and we listened. It’s an honor to be here today to follow through on this historic agreement.”

“Today, we are one significant step closer to being truly free from coal in the Northwest, which will bring about a cleaner, safer, healthier and more prosperous future,” said Bruce Nilles, Deputy Conservation Director for the Sierra Club. “The Sierra Club thanks the many people who worked hard to make this historic agreement a reality, including our allies in the Environmental Priorities Coalition, members of the Legislature, TransAlta, the working men and women of Lewis County, and of course, Governor Gregoire and her dedicated staff.”

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Rockefeller’s coal-free bill signing talking points

Senate Democrats — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:02:00 GMT

This is a day that a lot of people have waited for, for a long time. A royal wedding doesn’t happen all that often- nor does a day of sunshine! Of course this is not Westminster Abbey, and a bill signing is not the same as a wedding. But it is remarkable, nonetheless.

We all have reason to breathe a little easier today: Senate Bill 5769 is about to become law!

It’s great news that TransAlta, the Governor, the Legislature, the environmental community, labor, Lewis County and everyone interested in the future of clean air and economic prosperity have come together to reach agreement on a plan to phase Washington off coal-fired power production.

I am proud for many reasons, but mainly because I have never seen such collaborative work evolve in this fashion during my 13 years of work at the Legislature.

This agreement represents good faith efforts that have come full circle.

Initial negotiations between the state and TransAlta stalled out last year, after months of trying.

The Legislature built upon these first attempts and kicked the discussions into second gear with the proposal of SB5769.

From the beginning, my goal was to create a pathway upon which all stakeholders could find something of value and benefit.

It took time to understand the needs and values of the workers, community, public health, environmental advocates, and TransAlta.

My colleagues and I offered incentives and potential changes of state law that reflected these complex needs and helped to foster an agreement.

Once negotiations resumed, which was a success in itself, the bill had to be redesigned to capture the results of these negotiations.

I believe what made this agreement possible was the respect and dedication each party brought to the table. Discussions were collaborative, not adversarial.

Helping get other legislators comfortable with the negotiations was challenging, but once they realized this truly is a win-win agreement, they were on board.

I want to thank everyone for the tremendous effort it took to get here.

It is not every day you have groups with different interests aligned with a common plan. This legislation is an example of what can happen with true collaboration—an outcome that addresses everyone’s needs.

SB 5769 will lead to a cleaner energy future, with power, jobs, health and environmental benefits that everyone can enjoy.

Congratulations to all who made it happen!

Rockefeller week 15 e-newsletter update

Senate Democrats — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:04:24 GMT

Dear Neighbors,

As we end this regular session and prepare for the intended quick work of the special session, I wanted to give you a brief update on:

Senate girds for special session
Senate passes bipartisan spending plan for 2011-13
Governor signs landmark legislation improving Washington protection from major oil spills
Central Puget Sound legislators preserve ferry services in transportation budget

Sincerely,

Sen. Phil Rockefeller

Senate girds for special session

The Legislature will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday for a special session to complete the final negotiations on the state budgets for the 2011/13 biennium and to pass the dozens of bills that are necessary to implement the budget due to their various fiscal impacts.

Under state law, a special session can last no more than 30 days but can be convened as quickly as the Legislature completes its remaining business.

The work left is three-fold:

Any bills that failed to win passage through both chambers during the regular session now revert to their chamber of origin and must be passed again before they can be considered in the other chamber and sent to the governor to be signed into law.

The Ways and Means committees in both the Senate and House must hold hearings on the remaining bills that fiscally impact the budgets.

The Senate and House must reconcile the differences in their budget proposals and any policy bills that passed both chambers but with differing amendments.

I invite you to read Peter Callaghan’s blog in the Tacoma News Tribune for what I think is a fair perspective.

Senate passes bipartisan spending plan for 2011-13

The Senate passed its version of the House Operating budget (House Bill 1087) on April 18^th and sent it back to the opposite chamber for further consideration. The bill, as passed off the Senate floor, included a few changes including:

Elimination of the K-12 average daily attendance which is offset by taking the bus depreciation savings originally proposed in the Governor’s budget
$5.4 million restoration of the adjustment for private school state need grant amounts
$2.3 million for the partial restoration of the original $4.5 million reduction to family planning
$2.5 million for restoration of employment and day changes
$1.4 million to continue some level of network funding for the FPC, Council on Children, or successor entity
Partial restoration to the judicial branch

You can view the bill as passed out of the Senate here.

The House, Senate and governor will produce a final 2011-13 operating budget during special session.

Governor signs landmark legislation improving Washington protection from major oil spills

Rockefeller, fellow legislators and stakeholders attend bill signing

On the anniversary of the catastrophic April 20, 2010, crude oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed landmark legislation that significantly advances protection of Washington state's environment, economy and cultural resources from the impacts of a potential major oil spill. I was pleased to assist in moving this legislation forward.

In past years I have sponsored bills to reduce the risks of oil spills. One of them committed us to a policy goal of zero oil spills, following a spill in central Puget Sound which wound up fouling the shoreline in the 23^rd District, including a pristine estuary. Other efforts include improving containment and response when they do occur, and improving our readiness to respond.

Under the law just passed, oil companies that operate in Puget Sound, the outer coast and on the Columbia River will need to invest in response equipment and personnel to provide continuous on-water oil cleanup activities—even at night and during fog and rain. If industry can remove as much oil on the water as possible during a major spill, adverse shoreline impacts can be reduced.

The legislation also ensures local resources like commercial fishing vessels and citizen volunteers are able to effectively participate in an oil spill response.

This law is consistent with the unanimous recommendations of the Oil Spill Work Group convened by the Puget Sound Partnership—which includes industry, environmental, tribal, agency, local government and military leaders. It also applies important lessons learned from the catastrophe in the gulf, incorporating many key recommendations in a joint report released by Ecology and the Puget Sound Partnership. At the governor’s request, the two agencies evaluated President Obama’s final national commission report about BP Deepwater Horizon spill. The Ecology-Partnership report and related information is available here.

The BP Deepwater Horizon spill flowed for three months, eventually releasing an estimated 206 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The initial fire and explosion killed 11 people working on the oil platform and injured another 17.

The spill caused extensive damage to marine and wildlife habitats as well as the Gulf's fishing, tourism and other industries. The full extent of the environmental and socio-economic impacts will likely not be understood for years to come.

Central Puget Sound legislators preserve ferry services in transportation budget

On April 20, the Senate passed the state's two-year transportation budget. Until that day, the proposed plan included over $4 million in cuts to ferry services.

Thanks to a compromise brokered by Sens. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island, Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, other legislators and I, an amendment was adopted providing alternatives in obtaining this restored funding. This is critical to central Puget Sound ferry services.

Reducing ferry runs would have been a major blow to our communities, where reliable ferries are a daily necessity and a key economic driver. Maintaining the current levels of service provides certainty to business, families and our emergency services. Additionally, Washington State Ferries are the largest tourist attraction in our state so maintaining service helps our economy.

Washington has the largest ferry service in the country, with more than 22 million riders annually, transporting more people than Sea-Tac Airport. Ferries are also the state's single largest tourist attraction, bringing in over $15 billion in tourism dollars in 2010.

Home bakers prepare, Rockefeller’s cottage food bill heads to governor for approval

Senate Democrats — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 01:21:33 GMT

Have you ever enjoyed a home baked cookie from a PTA fundraiser? Or bought jams, jellies, granola, vinegar, or baked goods at farmers markets and wished you could sell your home baked goods too?

My bill, SB 5748, which is now on its way to the governor for final signature, will allow home baked goods to be sold to the public. This will permit home-based cooks to use their culinary skills and earn some additional household income.

The bill sets a registration fee of $30 and a $75 public health review fee.

Sinking or abandoning a vessel to be a misdemeanor under bill passed by Senate

Senate Democrats — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:21:00 GMT

The Senate has concurred with House amendments and passed Sen. Phil Rockefeller’s bill, 45-0, making improvements to the existing Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP).

The bill as passed includes:

Clarifying the term ‘without authorization’, making it a misdemeanor for a person to intentionally cause a vessel to sink, break up, or block navigational channels.
Limiting civil liability for authorized public entities exercising their authority under the DVRP.
Ports may receive up to 90 percent reimbursement for vessel removal like other local public entities.
Other changes to the statutes governing the removal of derelict vessels.

DVRP has worked well over its 10 year history, but needs a tune up. This bill as passed will improve the overall efficiency of the existing program.

It now heads to the governor’s desk for final signature.